H1N1 (Swine Influenza) Information

H1N1 (Swine Influenza) Information

The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) has identified cases of H1N1 influenza virus (formerly called swine flu) on the continental United States and internationally. It is expected that H1N1 and several other strains of flu will spread during the upcoming season. WCC has established this page to provide information to students, employees and staff.

H1N1 Symptoms

Symptoms include body aches, chills, cough, fatigue, fever, headache and sore throat. For more information go to the CDC www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm

Stay Healthy By Practicing Good Health and Hygiene Habits

• Wash hands with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing; alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze; if you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth to decrease the spreading of germs.
• Know the signs and symptoms of the flu. A fever is a temperature, taken by thermometer equal to or greater than 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 degrees Celsius; be alert for signs of fever (e.g., if a person feels very warm, has a flushed appearance, or is sweating or shivering).
• Stay home if you have flu or symptoms for at least 24 hours after signs of fever diminish.
• Determine status without the use of fever-reducing medications (any that contain ibuprofen or acetaminophen.) Be overly conscientious and do not attend class or work.
• Talk with your health care providers about whether or not you should be vaccinated for seasonal flu. If you are at higher risk for flu complications from 2009 H1N1 flu, you should consider getting the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available. (People at higher risk for flu complications include pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes. For more information about priority groups for vaccination, visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/acip.htm.

If the flu this year becomes severe, the college will consider additional steps to limit the spread of the virus in consultation with the Whatcom County Department of Health.

Additional Information

Whatcom County Department of Health on the web:  http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/health/h1n1/index.jsp
Note:  Please check this website often for updates

Whatcom County Initial 2009 H1N1 Vaccination Clinic Schedule: http://www.co.whatcom.wa.us/health/community/immunizations/pdf/flu_clinic_schedule.pdf
Note:  Please check this website often for updates on the clinics

Washington State Department of Health: http://www.doh.wa.gov/swineflu/default.htm

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on the web: www.pandemicflu.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits; www.flu.gov or phone 1-800-CDC INFO (232-4636).

World Health Organization: http://www.who.int/car/disease/swineflu/en/index.html

Class Cancellations

Students may find out if classes are cancelled because of instructor sickness through recorded messages on their instructor's voice mail. Instructors' phone numbers are listed on each class syllabus.

Whatcom Emergency Communication

In the event of emergency, including sickness, that calls for college closures or changes in status, the college will post information on our website homepage. Closure can also be checked by calling (360) 383-3000. For updates in emergency conditions or inclement weather, tune in to the following radio and TV stations after 6:30 a.m.

• KGMI 790 AM
• KAFE 104.3 FM
• KPUG 1170 AM
• KVOS Channel 12
• KOMO Channel 4
• KING Channel 5
• KIRO Channel 7

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